Storing MH (2 Viewers)

[herald_400rl]

Hey all, what do you do with your MH for various storage lengths?

1 Week?
1 month?
3 months?

Ours is stored in the drive, plugged in but as we're new to it, what about when situations arise where we can't use it for a month, or over Winter if longer - 3 months? Axle stands? Unplugged with occasional plug ins? Etc.

 

[PP Bear]

Mines left all year round in a storage compound, not under cover and out in the elements. I use it regularly but parked up in between. I don’t leave any windows open or heating on, but do leave a large moisture trap out, which takes care of the moisture.

Even if I left it on a drive, I wouldn’t ever leave any heating on.

 

[Lenny HB]

If mine is not used for more than a few weeks I take it for a drive to get the engine up to full operating temperature, apart from draining it down in the winter not much else.

 

[herald_400rl]

Mines left all year round in a storage compound, not under cover and out in the elements. I use it regularly but parked up in between. I don’t leave any windows open or heating on, but do leave a large moisture trap out, which takes care of the moisture.

Even if I left it on a drive, I wouldn’t ever leave any heating on.

I had considered some of the disposable moisture trap things if these are what you mean? "Internal dehumidifiers". The heating isn't on, I leave it plugged in to keep the batteries charged for 1 and 2nd if we decide were off away on the Friday I can quickly bang the fridge on...

I had considered putting a 500w oil filled radiator in for the colder months?

 

[Lenny HB]

Moisture traps & dehumidifiers are a waste of time as the van will have permanent ventilation so you will be trying to dry out the atmosphere, never heat ours when not in use, warm air holds more moisture.

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[maison]

Ours is parked on our drive, plugged into EHU via a timer switch which gives it a two hour charge three times a week. If we are at home for more than a week we drain down all the water but never bother with axle stands.

Having said that we do use our motorhome all year round so it is seldom stationary for long.

 

[PP Bear]

I had considered some of the disposable moisture trap things if these are what you mean? "Internal dehumidifiers". The heating isn't on, I leave it plugged in to keep the batteries charged for 1 and 2nd if we decide were off away on the Friday I can quickly bang the fridge on...

I had considered putting a 500w oil filled radiator in for the colder months?

I’ve never been a fan of the oil filled radiators, but during extreme cold weather, having one on a low setting could make a lot of difference. My future advice would be to still drain down the water systems fully in the winter/colder months, so that you’re not caught out in any way.

Feel a bit jealous that you’ve got it by the house, my SWMBO would never see me if I had mine that close

 

[maison]

I had considered some of the disposable moisture trap things if these are what you mean? "Internal dehumidifiers". The heating isn't on, I leave it plugged in to keep the batteries charged for 1 and 2nd if we decide were off away on the Friday I can quickly bang the fridge on...

I had considered putting a 500w oil filled radiator in for the colder months?

Someone on the Forum, I can’t remember who, pointed out that Motorhomes on Dealer’s forecourts are never heated.

We have owned m/hs for 40+ years and the only time we heat them is for a couple of hours before starting out in freezing weather, and that’s to keep us warm.

 

[herald_400rl]

I’ve never been a fan of the oil filled radiators, but during extreme cold weather, having one on a low setting could make a lot of difference. My future advice would be to still drain down the water systems fully in the winter/colder months, so that you’re not caught out in any way.

Feel a bit jealous that you’ve got it by the house, my SWMBO would never see me if I had mine that close

It's very tight but was a condition of us getting one!

I drain the water off when we get back so it's empty, but I didn't run the pump off thinking about it so I'll have to add that to the roster!

Noted on the dehumidifier stuff, makes sense actually as it's not an air tight box.

 

[PP Bear]

It's very tight but was a condition of us getting one!

I drain the water off when we get back so it's empty, but I didn't run the pump off thinking about it so I'll have to add that to the roster!

Noted on the dehumidifier stuff, makes sense actually as it's not an air tight box.

View attachment 750096View attachment 750097

Also, don’t forget to disconnect the shower hose…..cost me a new shower mixer tap for failing to do that one year

I know people say not to bother with the dehumidifier, but if you saw the amount of water it catches, I’d say it’s well worth it for me.

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[Nirvanauk]

Ours is in outside storage and during winter we don't use it but may just take it for a run every couple of months.

 

[herald_400rl]

Ours is in outside storage and during winter we don't use it but may just take it for a run every couple of months.

Do you have a cover, either roof only or full?

I'm conscious that ours is likely older and so not as well insulated/protected as the newer models!

 

[Nirvanauk]

No cover. Some say it will rub against the sides of the van and scratch it. Also it may keep condensation in.

 

[seasideBill]

Mines left all year round in a storage compound, not under cover and out in the elements. I use it regularly but parked up in between. I don’t leave any windows open or heating on, but do leave a large moisture trap out, which takes care of the moisture.

Even if I left it on a drive, I wouldn’t ever leave any heating on.

View attachment 750076View attachment 750077

Don’t leave one of those anywhere it can get knocked over..that blue dye is truly indelible on soft furnishings and surfaces (don’t ask me how I know)!

 

[Spriddler]

Dozens of threads on this if you use the 'Search' facility. However............
Mine's on EHU permanently in my drive (for the past 11 years). Never heated. Roof light open a tad. Never had any damp issues. I open doors and windows for a couple of hours on fine days.
If unused I take it for a 20 or 25 mile drive (picnic, fish and chips on the quay or a brew at the coast) every 2 or 3 weeks.
Download the guide for winter storage in the Resources section which has tips applicable to shorter terms when unused.

Winterising Your Motorhome

The best thing you can do with your motorhome through the winter is to use it. However, if you do lay up your motorhome, using this simple checklist will ensure the cold weather does not damage your pride and joy. As soon as the temperature...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

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[PP Bear]

Do you have a cover, either roof only or full?

I'm conscious that ours is likely older and so not as well insulated/protected as the newer models!

Noooo, I’d say stay well away from covers, they cause so much damage to the corners and edges, best just leave it outside like they do at the dealers. Horrible things to store, especially if they are wet and yuk.

I did toy with the same thoughts when I first started out, but luckily I saw firsthand the damage they cause with the slow rippling effect in the wind. My friends was so smooth and bare at all the corners and along the edges.

 

[the1andonly]

my answers to a thread from 2021
Kept Outside.
On a slight slope so water drains off. But leaves black streaks
left in gear handbrake off, wheels chocked and tyres covered.
fridge door open, blinds drawn. Open blinds every blue moon
cushions away from walls,
No heaters
Bed lowered a bit for ventilation
vents cracked open
alarm on, security devices fitted and locked
scuttle checked and cleaned keep leaves and debris from blocking drain holes
Drain water unless going away next week
Clean tanks once a year, drAin unblocker , puraclean(clean water tank) (Now use Acetic acid, lot cheaper)
When we had Pb batteries solar left to charge Votronics mppt controllers. LB & SB trickle charge.
Now lithium so have an issolator on negative terminal and leave one controller 220w to trickle charge SB.
Only use ehu to run fridge over Christmas ( extra storage)
(Have BT battery monitors so if not enough solar christmas also a good time to use chargers for either battery as required)
Every 3 months check on board food clothes to be ready to leave in 10 minutes.
Take out for 30 min blast each month, exercise the oil.

 

[Reallyretired]

Fridge and freezer doors closed and a disposable dehumidifier in each. No mould which you can still get with the doors open.

 

[Roby2008]

First 7 years kept outside with no cover, we are south facing so sun all year round in that direction, usual no heating, fridge/freezer door open and all soft furnishings removed and in house, water drained off etc and on a battery saver.
Result: Totally destroyed graphics on the MH, Matt finish to the paint work and headlights faded and cracked, garden on the roof, after graphics removal, complete cut and polish then new headlights.
We then covered it with a breathable cover for the next 2 winters, the result was a quick wash off and polish and drive away..Madame does not like covers but after seeing the difference/damage/cost she is very happy with the cover situation.

 

[Minxy]

Feel a bit jealous that you’ve got it by the house, my SWMBO would never see me if I had mine that close

Maybe that would appeal to her?

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[Spriddler]

For many years the wife of 'Resto Ray', one of my biker chums, has scoured the ads looking for old Brit bikes needing restoration as they keep him in the shed and out of the house. She has been very good at it.

 

[Lenny HB]

First 7 years kept outside with no cover, we are south facing so sun all year round in that direction

We are right on the south coast one side of the van faces south, current van 6 years old, no problems with the graphics. The van does get polished then waxed twice a year and I think that makes a difference.

 

[herald_400rl]

Our decals are somewhat peeled anyway. We've asked a local signage company if they can re-create them as close to original as possible and the OH's work has contacts for a reasonably price re-spray and clear coating.

 

[robnchris]

Ours is sat on our driveway, plugged into the mains, we have hard wired in a Trickle Charger rather than use the onboard charger, Eddies Battery Master looks after both batteries.
We have a "Maypole" breathable allover cover which in the last 10 yrs hasn't marked the bodywork at all, because of the flat roof we placed two of those Space Hoppers on the roof under the cover which gives an Apex tent like shape so rain doesn't collect on the cover.
Over winter we open all the cupboards and fridge, water system is drained with drain valves and taps left open, all soft furnishings are removed.
Touch wood we have never had any problems.

 

[Minxy]

Space Hoppers

And how many times did you try to use them for their intended purpose and fall off?

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[PP Bear]

Maybe that would appeal to her?

It would definitely appeal to me

 

[Engineer999]

It's very tight but was a condition of us getting one!

I drain the water off when we get back so it's empty, but I didn't run the pump off thinking about it so I'll have to add that to the roster!

Noted on the dehumidifier stuff, makes sense actually as it's not an air tight box.

View attachment 750096View attachment 750097

We used to park ours on our drive, which has quite a cross fall, right by the porch so that the top of the van leant towards it. Beware when you load up that the lean doesn’t increase as the springs compress - don’t ask me why!!!!!!

 

[herald_400rl]

We used to park ours on our drive, which has quite a cross fall, right by the porch so that the top of the van leant towards it. Beware when you load up that the lean doesn’t increase as the springs compress - don’t ask me why!!!!!!

Oh dear, if ours leaned a couple of inches we would have some impromptu gutter installed.

 

[buzz1]

Only thing I would add , would be leave a mouse trap or two (baited ), not poison as you don’t want it dying in van somewhere it can’t be retrieved.

 

[Roby2008]

We are right on the south coast one side of the van faces south, current van 6 years old, no problems with the graphics. The van does get polished then waxed twice a year and I think that makes a difference.

The sun in Bavaria is obviously stronger than the UK, but more than likely it was the budget MH we bought with the attendant quality...

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